# Karnataka athletes still await jobs under 2% quota

2026-08-22T09:23:53+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Top athletes in Karnataka are yet to benefit from the state government's announced two per cent job reservation for sportspersons, as employment notifications have not included the provision. Officials of state sports associations said the final order from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) is still awaited, nearly two months after the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) submitted required documents. Several notifications for government jobs, including posts for physical education teachers and school teachers, have been issued listing other quotas but not the sports quota. Former state kabaddi captain Gagan Gowda, 23, said he has been waiting for three years and will become ineligible for jobs like those in the Railways in another two years. Former Karnataka football team captain Karthik Govind Swamy said he moved to Hyderabad for work after waiting years, and at least seven players from the Santosh Trophy-winning side are still jobless. DYES officials said they were unaware of the reason for the delay at DPAR. Athletes with limited competitive careers and age limits hope the government will resolve the issue before more lose their chance to apply.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The delay highlights a recurring gap between policy announcements and bureaucratic execution in Karnataka. The two per cent quota, first promised years ago, affects hundreds of athletes who have represented the state or India. For sportspersons, age limits for government jobs typically cap eligibility at 30 to 35 years, making each recruitment cycle critical. The final government order rests with DPAR, which must clear the proposal before departments can include the quota in notifications. Athletes now wait for the next round of recruitment notices, likely before the end of the current fiscal year, to see if the promise translates into jobs.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/2-quota-on-paper-athletes-still-await-govt-job-in-karnataka/articleshow/133418964.cms>
  Framing highlights delay and unfulfilled promise, quoting frustrated athletes and association officials, not government explanations.

This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: DPAR, DYES, Karnataka government
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